So, my good friend (18m) had a falling out with his ex (19m) because the ex bullied him and also because he is apparently dating a 16f, so my friend thinks he is a pedophile for obvious reasons (adult + minor).
I can see why this would be considered bad but also, when I turn 16, my girlfriend will be 19 too, as I am currently a young sophomore who is about 3 years younger than her girlfriend, a senior.
a 4 year gap around that time is kind of a grey area, especially with high school kids. It’ll only be a problem if someone presses charges. It might do some psychological uncomfortable feelings for the younger one, but from what I’ve heard that’s a case-by-case basis.
Also local laws can vary from providence to providence. Like in the US the age of consent is 18 but there are some states that go as low as 16 on that front